Hi all,


been doing some reading about integrating an ipod into my RX8, I currently do not HAVE an ipod but would be buying a 4GB Ipod Nano if I decide to do this.

Anyways, I see that I could buy the Mp3 deck solution straight from mazda for ~ 300 dollars... and all id have to do is burn CD's.

The question I pose, would it be worth it to spend just about 300 dollars to get factory mp3 in my car? or to "splurge" and do all the work/risk just to get a real ipod in my car?

are there any sound quality differences in the ipod vs the stock system that would warrent some extra thought?

Well they both would play mp3s so there would be no difference there.

With an iPod, however, you would need to run a wire from the iPod to an input on the stereo system (if that even exists). If you did run that wire then you would be introducing another connection/wire combination that may be at risk for interference. Personally, I like to keep the number of connections to a minimum.

If the Bose stereo system does not have that input then the other solution would be to get the FM transmitter adapter for the iPod. Then your sound quality would seriously be degraded.

edit: I forgot to conclude that considering the above and the price difference I would go for the factor mp3 player from Mazda. The only con is you wouldn't be able to carry it around in your pocket and listen to music. :)

edit2: dammit! I didn't read the thread about the ipod/mp3 integration kit. It sounds liek a pretty good setup so either way you go would work out well. I would just go the route that is least expensive. :)

yeah i read thru the ipod integration kit and what I have found is my options are:

1) buy a Mp3 deck from mazda directly for $280ish and pay to have it installed (just to make sure i dont F something up)


2) buy a 4GB ipod nano ($249) and one of the Neo Icelinks for $200ish and set everything up myself. I read about the installation and it seemes easy enough to handle on my own. By the time I did all that I would be pushing $500 dollars (but as you said have a badass ipod out of the deal)

The FM transmitter solution is crap to me, ive tried it before and was pissed that I wasted 40 bucks for the thing (i promptly returned the gadget to walmart)

Im leaning towards the ipod solution (will just have to save money for a bit b/c i just bought a valentine V1 detector and Sony Cybershot H1) but the coolness of a black ipod nano to go with my Black RX8 would be nice.... and the fact the nano would have preset equilizer setting is a bonus


Haha im starting to realize the list of things to get for this car is self-healing... it never comes to an end! first its strakes, clear corners, zaino kit, ipod kit, and hopefully new intake, exaust ahhhh! it never ends!

I never installs anything in a car before, and if I can get enough info on this forum then install BOTH MP3 CD and MD deck to my 8 in 2 hours, any body can.

Or you can get the 4gig iPod and spend $130-150ish for the audio link for steering wheel controls. Regardless of which option, you need to be running v9.55 firmware on your head unit. They released a 1gb nano today for $150, so for $300, you could have an integrated ipod solution. As for the install, its really easy. the hardest part is finding the bolt to slide the HU out.

Add up all the time you spent buying and burning CDs for the next 5 years and the $500 ipod + audio link will start looking like a great deal. Don't forget the cost and time you spend getting those ridiculous books/cases to hold all those CDs and that ugly CD rack in your livingroom and bedroom. You can copy someone's entire collection from their ipod in an hour, try doing that with CDs. I think you mistaken the relatively low, true cost of ownership of the ipod solution.

Add up all the time you spent buying and burning CDs for the next 5 years and the $500 ipod + audio link will start looking like a great deal. Don't forget the cost and time you spend getting those ridiculous books/cases to hold all those CDs and that ugly CD rack in your livingroom and bedroom. You can copy someone's entire collection from their ipod in an hour, try doing that with CDs. I think you mistaken the relatively low, true cost of ownership of the ipod solution.


Thanks for that little statement... you are 100% right, before i read your post I did decide to go with the ipod solution because its just damn cool :) but if anyone asks why i did it I will tell them what you just said so I don't look like an idiot :bowdown:

I saw a few pics of people who have already done similar setups and seeing a black ipod nano mounte up on a vent or somewhere looks awesome and the fact that when im not in my car i can just snap the ipod up and take it with me, yay!

Ipod solution is the way to go.. CDs are a relic from a prior generation. Unless you like having little discs littering your house and car.

I installed the the icelink setup myself, the howtos on this site are excellent, and you'd have to be a moron to screw something up.